The Rhode Island Collection houses primary and secondary source materials in varying formats including photographs, postcards, books, microfilms, newspapers, maps, ephemera, other printed materials, digital images, and some audio/video. This employee must be committed to improving access to and visibility of the RI Collections and the library through reference, programming, exhibits, digitization, bibliographic means, and general outreach.
This position plays a central role in helping to move the institution forward towards achieving its overall goals. As part of the Special Collections Department, the Rhode Island Collections are considered at the forefront of our services and collections.
Maintain and operate the Library’s Rhode Island Collections including the management of reference services, collection development (acquisition, cataloging and processing), community outreach, public programming, and digitization projects. This will include building and sustaining these unique collections as a cornerstone in the library’s overall Special Collections Department.
This position also has responsibility for ensuring that the RI Collection materials are appropriately and properly preserved, organized, cataloged, and highly accessible. In addition, the employee will have responsibility for overseeing the accessioning of archival collections as well as the processing and arrangement of all Special Collections archival materials, including but not limited to manuscripts, visual materials, and ephemera.
Primary Duties & Responsibilities:
- Provide research service to users in person, by phone, mail, or online.
- Develop departmental goals and objectives with the Director of Special Collections and Administration.
- Establish partnerships and networks to achieve the department and the library’s goals. This position oversees the department’s Community Archives initiative by building and maintaining relationships with partners and offering guidance to individuals and institutions who ultimately may not donate collections to the library.
- Participate in Digitization Working Group to recommend and/or create content for digitization projects. Work collaboratively with the Digital Projects staff to oversee and implement those projects.
- Recommend and implement appropriate conservation/preservation materials and measures to protect original source materials.
- Keep collection materials organized and housed appropriately, encouraging accessibility.
- May curate exhibitions in cooperation with the Programs & Exhibitions department.
- Acquire new materials as appropriate, through purchase and donation.
- Check email daily and respond to emails in a timely manner.
- In participation with the Programs & Exhibitions department may curate exhibitions and create opportunities for dynamic engagement with community partners and patrons.
- Responsibility for overseeing the accessioning of archival collections as well as the processing and arrangement of all Special Collections archival materials, including manuscript, visual materials and ephemera. This includes the supervision of archival staff.
- This position also works closely with the Library Administration as well as the Marketing, Development, Education and IT departments.
- Participate as a co-selector to contribute to the general collection, pending the approval of both the Head of Information Services and the employee's supervisor.
- Assists the Development Department in grants relating to the collection. Collaborate with External Relations to ignite and activate a community of support for PPL and to amplify the Library’s message and work.
- Cultivate practices of diversity, equity, and inclusion within the organization that serves the public and each other.
- Support and practice PPL’s stated values and demonstrate and share PPL’s commitment to being an all inclusive organization, including full participation in the implementation of PPL’s diversity, equity, and inclusion roadmap.
Additional Skills:
- Work independently while understanding the necessity for communicating and coordinating work efforts with other employees and organizations.
- Work effectively as a team contributor on all assignments.
- Good understanding of the demands and requirements of public services in public libraries.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and networks with colleagues, potential and active donors, general public, vendors, and media.
- Ability to communicate clearly both orally and in writing
- High functioning technology skills and the ability to envision and help build the library of the future in today’s ever changing and ever growing digital world.
- Independent judgment and decisions are often required.
- Interact professionally with other employees, patrons, and suppliers.
- Perform quality work within deadlines with or without direct supervision.
- Comfort with basic digitization and image capture standards, equipment and editing software.
- Cataloging and archival standards (MARC, RDA, DACS, Dublin Core) as well as appropriate software applications (ArchiveSpace, Koha)
- Knowledge of Zoom, Google Meet or other web-conferencing software or applications.
- Google applications (Gmail, Meet, Drive, Docs, Sheets, Forms) and other various Google applications experience required.
- Strong attention to details and strong organizational skills.
- Excellent verbal and written skills.
Education & Experience Required:
- MLS or equivalent degree from an ALA accredited institution required.
- Extensive experience processing physical archival collections, including in-depth familiarity with DACS, EAD, and other archival standards and technologies.
- Three to five years experience as a special collections librarian or archivist in a large public library, academic institution, or similar institution with responsibility for local history or otherwise unique collections.
- Areas of special expertise should include archives, local and state history, genealogy, conservation, digitization, collection-building, bibliographic control, public programming, and outreach.
- Successful performance requires well developed interpersonal skills, a comprehensive knowledge of library reference procedures, and the ability to attain an in-depth knowledge of the collection. The highest priorities are placed on professional responsibilities, including making the connections necessary to help further the library’s overall goals.
- Documented experience in digital projects, preferably with demonstrable work product.
- Knowledge of rare book and manuscript librarianship best practices.
- Experience working with collection donors, processing small and large collections, rehousing and organizing collections.
- Experience with ArchivesSpace highly preferred.
This position is:
- Exempt and is part of the Union
- Hours: 35 hours per week, variable hours based on the library’s open hours. Flexibility is expected for special events, etc.
- Salary Range: $60,000 - $65,000
- Please submit cover letter and resume by October 21, 2024.
- Posting Date: October 10, 2024 – open until filled
Submit Cover Letter and Resume to:
E-mail: HR@provlib.org
The Providence Public Library
Attn: HR
150 Empire Street
Providence, RI 02903
Fax: 401-455-8002
The Library offers a group health, dental, and vision plan or a monthly stipend if you don’t need the health insurance. We also offer various options from AFLAC, library paid life insurance and library paid Long Term Disability coverage. A generous amount of paid time off (3+ weeks to start) and a retirement account with a traditional or ROTH option and a generous company match which is 100% vested upon hire.
Providence Public Library (PPL) is a 149+ year-old nonprofit corporation providing free public library services through its rich and historic physical and digital collections, extensive information resources, thought-provoking exhibitions, impactful educational programs, and expert staff.
PPL is continually transforming and focused on providing equally transformative experiences for all Rhode Islanders. The Library is actively expanding our reach through critical statewide collaborations and serving as an open and supportive teaching and learning place where communities can connect, experience, create and achieve, whether in our physical or virtual realms.
To achieve our mission, the Library is strategically focused on serving Rhode Island families and early care providers, teens, downcity residents, learners seeking workforce development, and those pursuing creative and scholarly endeavors.
Website
Www.provlib.org
Human Resources / Job Listings
https://www.provlib.org/about-us/job-opportunities/
Email cover letter and resume to: HR@provlib.org
The Providence Public Library
ATTN: HR
150 Empire Street
Providence, RI 02903